Kaiser Group, that prestigious corporation that only hires one out of every hundred applicants, was the dream company every graduate longed to join. Even knowing the odds of landing a job there were slim to none, fresh graduates still flooded its HR department with resumes, undeterred by the near-impossible odds.

Yet here she was—Bai Wanwan, a thoroughly average student with no competition wins, no impressive certificates beyond the bare minimum, someone who'd basically coasted through college. She'd sent her resume to Kaiser on a whim, never expecting anything to come of it. So when the call came inviting her for an interview, she was stunned speechless.

The unexpected good news left her frozen in place for a solid fifteen minutes before it finally sank in. Then came the ear-piercing shriek.

"Qu Qu! Qu Qu! Kaiser—Kaiser wants to interview me!" The moment she regained her senses, she immediately called her best friend. Bai Wanwan had always been a bit slow on the uptake, relying on Qu Ziting to make decisions for her more often than not.

Qu Ziting, a certified homebody goddess, picked up the phone with visible annoyance. What could possibly have gotten her usually soft-spoken, sweet-natured friend so worked up today? But the second she heard the news, she understood.

Qu Ziting sighed. "Got it. Get yourself ready tomorrow. Meet me at Jiazhuang Plaza at 10:30."

"Eh? Qu Qu, I didn’t even say anything yet! How did you know I wanted you to come shopping with me for interview clothes?" Wanwan blinked in confusion, her thought process once again proving to be delightfully off-track.

Qu Ziting: "…………"

Though she said nothing aloud, Qu Ziting was screaming internally. *Bai Wanwan, I’ve known you for how many years now? I can tell whether you’re about to take a dump or just pee the second you twitch! Did you really think I wouldn’t see this coming?*

She wanted to yell at Wanwan, but the moment those big, innocent eyes locked onto her, all that irritation just... melted away. That pitiful, guilt-inducing expression was impossible to resist.

The next day, Jiazhuang Plaza.

Bai Wanwan sat inside the KFC, sipping milk tea and checking her watch every few seconds. *Qu Qu, if you’re not here in five minutes, I swear I’ll be mad!*

After what felt like an eternity of "five minutes," Qu Ziting finally arrived. For a shut-in like her, oversleeping and being late were practically second nature. But still...

"Qu Qu, I’m mad at you!" Wanwan puffed up her cheeks in what was supposed to be anger, but the effect was about as intimidating as a kitten’s glare. If anything, her expression made you feel like you’d just kicked a puppy.

Qu Ziting had always dreaded this—Bai Wanwan’s face didn’t show real fury, yet somehow, it made you feel like you’d committed an unforgivable sin.

No sooner had Qu Qu taken a seat, not even having time to take a sip of water, than she blurted out an apology in a flustered voice, "Wan Wan, listen to me—you know how bad the traffic is on weekends, right? Whether I took a taxi or the bus, it was all jammed up. You get it, don't you? I really didn’t mean to be late. To make it up to you, I’ll treat you to lunch—anything you want, okay?"

Wan Wan’s eyes widened, her lips parting slightly as she stared at Qu Qu with an expression of utter disbelief. She wasn’t even that angry!

"Qu Qu, honestly, I’m not that upset. But why didn’t you just ride your bike if the traffic was so bad?" Weekend traffic was understandable—after all, she had gotten stuck in it too on her way here.

"…………" *You* might not be angry, but that look on your face is making me feel like a villain! Like some wicked witch bullying an innocent little girl. And do you even realize how far it is from my place to here? Ugh!

Wan Wan was in high spirits, while Qu Qu felt utterly drained.

Wan Wan happily dragged Qu Qu around the mall, but Qu Qu struggled to pick out clothes for her.

The two of them had officially entered full-on shopping mode.

After browsing through multiple stores and trying on countless professional outfits, Qu Qu still couldn’t find anything that suited Wan Wan.

The problem was, Wan Wan’s face and figure were downright deceptive. Even the most serious business suit somehow looked like a *seductive uniform* on her!

Qu Qu couldn’t possibly let this little bunny hop straight into the wolf’s den. Sure, *she* could handle herself—she’d fight gods and demons if she had to—but Wan Wan was different. She was a total newbie in the workplace, with that innocent, doe-eyed look. If she walked in like that, she’d be devoured in no time!

"Nope, nope, this one’s a no-go. Just looking at it makes me drool!" Qu Qu, sitting on the couch waiting for Wan Wan to change, instinctively blurted out the moment Wan Wan stepped out of the fitting room.

Only after the words left her mouth did she realize—*Oh crap, what did I just say?* *Drool?* *Wan Wan…*

Luckily, Wan Wan’s focus was… not quite normal. She just looked puzzled. "Are you hungry? If you’re drooling already, maybe we should eat first?"

Qu Qu: "…………"

Salesperson: "…………"

The sales associate could only helplessly hang the dress back on the rack. How could the clothes be blamed when the customer was just too adorable?

This time, Wanwan picked out a white blouse with delicate lace trims along the front and took it into the fitting room.

When she stepped out, Qu Ziting nearly gasped—it was absolutely perfect! Unlike the usual plain, stiff white shirts, the lace details added a playful charm that suited Wanwan's sweet demeanor. Paired with a black, above-the-knee pencil skirt and her natural, straight black hair—untouched by dyes or perms—along with youthful bangs, the look was downright irresistible.

Qu Ziting swallowed hard. As someone who prided herself on having an eye for beauty and having seen countless attractive people, she couldn't help but think, *Wanwan, you're truly my best friend!*

"Ququ, does it look weird? Why aren't you saying anything?" Wanwan asked, noticing Qu Ziting's dazed expression. Thinking something was wrong with the outfit again, she turned to go change.

Snapping out of it, Qu Ziting quickly reassured her, "No, no! It looks amazing—really! Go see for yourself!"

Still doubtful, Wanwan walked to the mirror and studied her reflection quietly before murmuring, "But I still feel strange... Maybe it's because I've never worn anything this expensive before?"

"......" *Did she think I couldn't hear that?* Qu Ziting nearly facepalmed. *What does the price have to do with anything?*

"Alright, alright," she said, steering the conversation away. "Let's go pick out some heels now!"

Qu Ziting knew Wanwan had never worn high heels before. While it was understandable during their school days, now that she was entering the corporate world—especially at a prestigious company like Kaisai—it was non-negotiable.

Sure enough, at the mention of heels, Wanwan's brows furrowed, and she whined softly, "Do I *have* to...?"

That pitiful look and pleading tone almost made Qu Ziting cave in. Thankfully, she had built up some immunity over the years. Steeling herself, she said firmly, "Wanwan, I hate seeing you uncomfortable too, but you know how competitive Kaisai is. You’ve worked so hard for this opportunity—don’t let Mom and Dad down, okay?"

As expected, Wanwan reluctantly nodded in agreement, though her expression remained utterly miserable.

Despite her best efforts to stand in those heels... well, the struggle was real.

"Ququ, Ququ, quick, hold me up. I—I can't stand steady." For someone wearing high heels for the first time, simply standing was a challenge, especially for someone as delicate as Bai Wanwan.

Qutingting sighed and reluctantly helped her stand in front of the mirror. Though Bai Wanwan’s unsteady performance was disappointing, the overall effect in the reflection was stunning. High heels truly were a woman’s best friend—they elongated the legs, accentuated the curves…

Watching Bai Wanwan wobble precariously, Qutingting quickly guided her back to the seat and helped her take off the shoes. Once Bai Wanwan had slipped back into her comfortable canvas sneakers, Qutingting called the sales assistant to bring a fresh pair of heels along with the selected outfits, ready to check out.

Just as Wanwan reached for her wallet, Qutingting waved her off and swiped her card instead.

"Ququ!"

"Consider it a gift to celebrate your new job!"

"But what if I don’t get hired? Then these will just go to waste."

"…………"

With the shopping done, it was time for lunch. They settled into a nearby Western restaurant.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant offered a clear view inside—including Bai Wanwan’s slightly clumsy attempts at cutting her steak with a knife and fork. Unbeknownst to her, every awkward motion was being observed by someone sitting in a car parked outside.

Years had passed, yet she was still as endearingly clueless as ever. The man watched with quiet amusement, the corners of his lips curling upward without him even realizing it. But the subtle shift in his expression didn’t escape the notice of his driver, who nearly choked in shock.

In all his years serving the young master, he had *never* seen him smile—let alone while staring at a *girl*!

A *girl*! Heaven be praised! The old master and madam could finally stop worrying about their son’s romantic inclinations! Grandchildren might soon be on the horizon!

For years, the young master had cycled through friends and acquaintances, both male and female, yet he remained obsessively devoted to work. Even when he went out drinking with his buddies, he never stayed out overnight, never pursued relationships, never indulged in one-night stands. It had driven the madam to despair.

Liang Yimo was lost in thought as he watched her.

And his driver was lost in even wilder thoughts.

Since his car was parked right outside where they were seated, Liang Yimo could clearly see every expression and movement of Bai Wanwan.

"Oops—" With a shaky hand, Bai Wanwan dropped her steak onto the table. Clutching the knife and fork awkwardly, she looked at Qu Ziting with wide, helpless eyes.

Hearing the commotion, Qu Ziting didn’t even spare a glance at the poor fallen steak before hurriedly reassuring her, "It’s fine, it’s fine! We’ll just order another one. Don’t worry, I’ve got enough money."

She had initially wanted to glare at her, but the sight of Bai Wanwan’s teary, pitiful expression softened her tone instantly. Honestly, Bai Wanwan had some kind of magical ability to turn Qu Ziting into a proper lady!

"But… people will laugh at you if they see this," Bai Wanwan mumbled, her face crumpling with distress.

Laugh at her? Why? "Who’d dare laugh at me? Do you even know who I am?"

Bai Wanwan pointed a small finger toward the corner. Following her gesture, Qu Ziting frowned—huh? A security camera? What was that supposed to mean?

"People watching the footage will laugh at you for bringing someone like me to a fancy restaurant. ‘Look at her, she can’t even cut a steak properly,’" Bai Wanwan said with such conviction, though her adorably clueless expression made it impossible to focus on her words.

What kind of logic was that? What kind of thinking? Qu Ziting was utterly baffled. "It’s fine, really. Waiter!" After soothing Bai Wanwan, she called the server over to order another steak, even cutting it up for her this time.

From his vantage point, Liang Yimo witnessed everything. Seeing Bai Wanwan’s crestfallen face and the abandoned steak on the table, he nearly marched in just to cut it for her himself.

This girl… still so silly, still so childlike.

Luckily, Qu Ziting was there to comfort her and even ordered a new steak, pre-cut. Had Qu Ziting dared to scold her, Liang Yimo might have stormed in and thrown her out on the spot.

Every time he saw that dazed, clueless look on Bai Wanwan’s face, he felt an overwhelming urge to hide her away—to keep her all to himself. Was this possessiveness?

But he already knew she’d be interviewing at Kaiser. There was plenty of time.

Wanwan, I’ll be waiting for you at Kaiser.

Throughout the meal, Bai Wanwan couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that someone was watching her. It sent chills down her spine.

"Qu Qu, is there someone behind me? I keep feeling like I'm being watched—it's giving me the creeps."

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Broad daylight, and she had to say something so unsettling with such a serious face. It was downright spooky.

Hearing things like that from a child would be even scarier—kids often see things adults can't. And Bai Wanwan, with her earnest expression, might as well have been a big kid herself.

Her words sent a shiver down Qu Ziting's spine. She hurriedly finished her meal, paid the bill, and left.

With their shopping done, neither of them was in the mood to linger. Neither was the type to enjoy aimless browsing—one was a homebody through and through, and the other thought window-shopping without buying anything was just plain silly.

Outside, Liang Yimo watched as she walked away. Instead of instructing his driver to follow them, he turned and headed back to the family estate.

He had planned to visit the old house today anyway—to check on those two troublemaking old rascals who thrived on chaos. Running into her had been unexpected.

That silhouette was etched into his mind, unforgettable no matter where he went.

It was time to get to know her properly.

Meanwhile, the two women returned home, changed into comfortable clothes, washed up, and went straight to bed.

Qu Ziting had stayed up too late the night before and hadn't gotten enough sleep, so she needed a nap to recharge.

As for Bai Wanwan? She was exhausted from all the walking and decided a good rest would prepare her for tomorrow's battles.

As the saying goes, sometimes you close your eyes for a nap and wake up to find the sky already dark.

The two of them indeed slept until dusk. Given their limited culinary skills, they ended up ordering takeout—after all, their expertise stretched no further than instant noodles.

Once fed and satisfied, it was time to get down to business: teaching a certain adorable creature how to walk in high heels.

If she couldn’t even stand steadily by tomorrow, how could she possibly fight her battles or get any work done?

Qu Ziting put on what she thought was a kindly expression—though in reality, it looked downright mischievous—and said to Bai Wanwan, "Wanwan, go grab your high heels. Tonight, I’ll teach you how to walk in them so you won’t make a fool of yourself tomorrow."

"O-okay… but your face looks like you’re forcing me into something shady. I’m almost scared to stay here—what if you steal my shoes?" With that, Wanwan scurried off in her adorably clueless way to fetch the heels, leaving Qu Ziting utterly speechless.

An hour later.

"Waaah—Q-Quting, my feet hurt so bad! Seriously!" Bai Wanwan was on the verge of tears, completely disillusioned with high heels. She couldn’t understand how other women glided effortlessly in them while she struggled just to take a single step.

Truth be told, Qu Ziting saw how hard Wanwan was trying. Every time those pitiful puppy-dog eyes turned her way, she nearly caved and called off the training. But Wanwan had to grow up eventually—she couldn’t keep holding her hand forever.

"Wanwan, look how much you’ve improved! You can already walk a full circle! Take it slow, no rush, okay?" Watching Wanwan wobble stiffly like a newborn deer, Qu Ziting knew there was no way she’d walk naturally tomorrow. But as long as she could stay upright, that was enough.

Determined to ace her interview at Kaiser, Wanwan steeled herself. She wanted to face the interviewers with confidence and win this battle.

After several grueling hours, she finally managed to walk without teetering or swaying—though her movements were still a bit rigid. Still, it was a vast improvement, and Qu Ziting didn’t dare push for more.

The moment she could finally kick off those heels, Wanwan collapsed onto the sofa with a relieved sigh. Being a woman was exhausting—whoever invented these torturous, overpriced shoes clearly had no mercy.

Seeing her muttering complaints, Qu Ziting couldn’t resist pinching her cheek. "Alright, go take a shower. Soak your feet in warm water before bed."

Wearing such towering heels for the first time had left her drenched in cold sweat—a shower was definitely in order.

"Mhm, Quting, let’s sleep early. Electricity’s expensive," the adorably frugal Bai Wanwan chirped before happily skipping off to wash up.

Qu Ziting was speechless. Most people would say "early to bed for good health"—what kind of logic was this?